Short Summary

King Hassan of Morocco and President Moktar Ould Daddah of Mauritania have been discussing the tense events in the former Spanish Sahara -- which was divided between the two countries after Spain withdrew last year.

Description

King Hassan of Morocco and President Moktar Ould Daddah of Mauritania have been discussing the tense events in the former Spanish Sahara -- which was divided between the two countries after Spain withdrew last year.

SYNOPSIS: The two leaders met in Rabat, the Moroccan capital. On Thursday (22 July) they talked for more than four hours, discussing the continuing problem of guerrilla activity in the phosphate-rich territory. Before the hand over, both Morocco and Mauritania laid claim to the area. Spain recognised them - but rejected claims by Algeria on behalf of the native residents of the Spanish Sahara. However, since the area was divided between Morocco and Mauritania, there has been continuing guerrilla activity deep inside the territory by members of the Algerian-based Polisario Front. The Front is fighting for total independence for the area's mostly nomadic inhabitants. The two leaders later signed agreements on the economic and military administration of the Western Sahara, but details were not released. Morocco controls the greater part of the territory with the most phosphate deposits, while Mauritania has the smaller southern section.